Makeup Ideas: There's a Stick for That

It's seriously freaking hot in New York City right now. So hot, I’ve had to blot and reapply my makeup every time I come inside. (Oh, and PS, bless you, whoever invented AC.) Which got me thinking about how much I love a good makeup stick: You can stash it anywhere, it won’t explode or leak in your bag, and it doesn’t require a brush to apply—in this heat, the less fuss, the better. Here are some of my favorites.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer. I'm very picky about primers. They can't feel too silicone-y, they can't be too thick or too heavy, and they truly have to make my foundation last longer for it to be worth the extra step. Benefit's does it all. Plus, you can reapply it throughout the day to mattify any slick spots.

Vapour Organics Beauty Atmosphere Luminous Foundation. Stick foundation is a genius invention. Just draw it over any problem areas and blend with your fingertips, and you can even out your complexion in a matter of seconds. Vapour Organics’ formula is nice and creamy, so it blends into your skin seamlessly.

Nars The Multiple in South Beach. This golden bronze cream stick can be spread on cheekbones, temples, and chin to warm up your skin tone, or be added to lips and lids for a beachy, monochromatic makeup look. The Multiple is sheer, so you can still see the natural texture of your skin underneath, and the cream-to-powder formulation means you won't look shiny.

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick. These argan-infused blush sticks make it easy to constantly appear lively and awake—I dot one on my cheeks every few hours. Out of the five shades, my current favorites are Rosy (a dusty rose) and Coral.

Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlighter Stick in Persian Sunset. This highlighter reminds me of Madina's Chic and Shine stick—the one makeup artists buy in bulk when they're in Milan because it has a slightly drier finish and a spot-on pink-champagne color. Tap a little bit on your cheekbones and the center of your eyelids when your face needs a pick-me-up.